Radio antenna mount question

[JEB]

I'm restoring a ex-Army 1955 M38A1.
When acquired, it had a antenna mounting bracket on the left rear quarter.

I am removing it.
The MV expert doing the work doesn't know if the holes for the bracket were drilled at the factory or were they done post delivery.
He thinks (but is not sure) that they were drilled at Willys, and on units that did not have antennas, the holes were filled with plugs.
So the question boils down to should be use plugs or weld the holes shut?

I know this is a pretty esoteric question..but can anyone answer?

 

[G744]

I'd go find a period-correct radio system and install that.

DG

 

[ZiggyO]

Radio kits were unit level add ons. There were no holes drilled for the antenna or radio mounts at the factory. Measurements and in some cases drilling templates were included with the radio install kits.

Z

 

[NDT]

Radio kits were unit level add ons. There were no holes drilled for the antenna or radio mounts at the factory. Measurements and in some cases drilling templates were included with the radio install kits.

Z

Absolutely correct.

 

[G744]

2nd that.

I'd still go for a proper radio set, it's one of the best add-ons in any restoration.

DG

 

[JEB]

2nd that.

I'd still go for a proper radio set, it's one of the best add-ons in any restoration.

DG

It came with the antenna mount but no radio.
Since the original hood number is lost, I just have the Willys MD serial, and I have no history, I am restoring it in accurate USAF colors. So I don't need a radio.

Thanks to Ziggy and NDT for their replies.

 

[exhogflyer]

There is DEF a market for the antenna and mount. They're getting hard to find. BTW why AF colors? Are you former?

 

[JEB]

There is DEF a market for the antenna and mount. They're getting hard to find. BTW why AF colors? Are you former?

Yes, I'm former Air Force, albeit long after the M38A1 period.
The vehicle has no history or hood number, so I'm not erasing history.
I'll keep the parts I take off for the next owner.

 

[Maverick1701]

They're getting hard to find. BTW why AF colors? Are you former?

ebay usually has a bunch listed for both new and used mounts.
new: https://www.ebay.com/itm/393124706896?hash=item5b880efa50:g:tPwAAOSw5iJgIA~W

 

[Guyfang]

The problem with posting a link to Ebay is, that in a week, it might be gone.